Which of the following best describes the role of cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the process that occurs at the end of cell division, specifically after mitosis or meiosis, and is crucial for ensuring that a single parent cell divides properly into two separate daughter cells. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm and its organelles are divided between the two new cells, which allows each daughter cell to have the necessary components to survive and function independently.

This process is distinct from other cellular activities, such as DNA replication, which occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, or cell communication, which involves signaling pathways between cells. While organelle distribution is important for cell function and is influenced by the earlier phases of cell division, cytokinesis specifically addresses the physical separation of the cell's contents into two daughter cells, making it a vital step in the overall process of cell division.